The proximity of the Olympic tournament to the Omnium Banque Nationale (OBN) raised fears about possible withdrawals. A first big name has just been announced.
Novak Djokovic has indeed withdrawn from the Montreal tournament, OBN announced at the end of the day.
“Although we are disappointed […]we understand his decision and wish him the best for the Olympic Games and the rest of his season,” said Valérie Tétreault, director of the OBN.
That being said, our tournament still boasts an exceptional roster for this year’s event featuring 42 of the top 43 players in the world, and we look forward to seeing them in action very soon.
Valérie Tétreault, Director of the National Bank Open
Earlier Tuesday, Djokovic advanced to the third round of the Paris Games by beating old rival Rafael Nadal. However, the men’s final is scheduled for Sunday, August 4, while the OBN main draw gets underway two days later, on August 6. Travel and the training time needed to readapt to the hard surface (the Olympic tournament is played on clay) could lead to withdrawals.
Djokovic, 2e world-ranked player, is still looking for a first title in 2024.
The 37-year-old Serbian has not played in the Canadian tournament since 2018, and has not played in Montreal since 2015.
Due to his withdrawal, the Russian Roman Safiullin, 66e in the world, gets a place in the main draw.
The National Bank Open draw will take place on Saturday.